Ramon Francis Rodriguez transitioned peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 1, 2019, at home in Coto de Caza, California. Ramon was a devoted father to his surviving daughter, Cindy, and loving grandfather to Alexandra “Ally”.

Ramon was born on August 30, 1930 to Mary Ramirez in Kansas City, Missouri. Although he never knew his biological father he was lovingly adopted by Mary’s husband, Raymond Rodriguez, a decorated WWII veteran.

At age five (5), Ramon suffered a bout of Scarlet Fever, resulting in a painful and severe infection. His mother, who worked tirelessly as a maid for the local Bishop and his family, was unable to afford medical treatment. But the family so treasured her that they arranged for treatment of her son’s infection. Despite treatment, the infection resulted in hearing loss, which never stood in Ramon’s way of a joyful and accomplished life.

Ramon was “the apple of his mother’s eye” and a loving and dedicated son. He grew up with mom, stepdad and his loving sisters Mary Irene, Jeannie and Mona. When he lived in California, and although a distance away, Ramon made it a point to visit with Mary Irene and her husband Jesse at least annually, treating Mary Irene to her favorite steak dinners. His niece and nephews Debra, Adrian, Steve, Mark and Greg enjoyed many happy times with their Uncle Ramon.

Due to his hearing loss, Ramon was a “late bloomer” in school as his attendance was delayed until nine (9) years of age. He attended the Missouri School for the Deaf, where he not only caught up on the education track, but excelled.

During school summer breaks, Ramon loved working as a busboy and kitchen/ pantry assistant at a resort in the Catskills. He treasured these summers where he learned the many skills that made him an efficient and excellent cook. He bragged that he could slice and scoop 90 grapefruits an hour!

Ramon would go on to attend Gallaudet University, where he graduated as a proud member of the Class of 1954. It was there that he met the love of his life, Bernice Clara McMullan, whom he married in 1958. Only child, daughter Cynthia Maria “Cindy”, arrived in 1959. Following graduation, both Ramon and Bernice taught at the Texas School for the Deaf, Louisiana School for the deaf and A.G. Bell in Cleveland.

As a young father, in an effort to provide the most for his family, Ramon worked two jobs in addition to his teaching position. This afforded the many wonderful and educational cross country family trips, providing Cindy with amazing and exciting travel experiences to just about every state in the country.

Ramon highly valued education and so continued his trajectory through to California State University at Northridge’s first Leadership Training Program. Next, he attended a Ph.D. program at the Rochester Institute of Technology and would later return to Gallaudet as a popular instructor. He adored his students and would remain in contact with many until his last days. 

Following Gallaudet, Ramon became an Education Program Specialist in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he oversaw federal grant funding for post-secondary education and training for the deaf.

Ramon had great pride and passion for his work and in being productive. As a result, he did not finally retire until 76 years of age. In 2008, his family invited him to join them in California, where he enjoyed many years living in a bright, spacious condo near a beautiful lake in Rancho Santa Margarita. When climbing stairs began to be a challenge, he eventually moved in with Cindy, Ally and beloved son-in-law, Nick.

Ramon and Ally shared a special bond, beginning when present at the moment of her birth welcoming her into the world. For many years, as long as “Grandpa Ramon” was able to drive, he loved chauffeuring Ally to and from school during which they would enjoy “grandpa and me” time. He never missed Ally’s volleyball games at which he was her most fervent (and loudest!) cheerleader. He proudly and joyfully attended every choir performance. 

Nick was Ramon’s loving and dedicated “son”. They shared many good times and Nick regarded Ramon as his own family. Nick worked long hours and many days lovingly preparing Ramon's retirement condo. Ramon literally arrived from Virginia, unpacked his bags and hung his toothbrush. Nick brought Ramon great happiness and made a profound difference in his life, never wavering in assisting with his care through his remaining years.

During his remaining years, Ramon enjoyed time with his family and loved being helpful in the kitchen, cooking his famous delicious Mother Mary’s Pork Chops, beef stew, chili and performing clean-up duties. He looked forward to monthly poker games with his Poker Buddies, which we would occasionally happily host at our home. Keeping up with friends from afar during long VP (video phone) sessions brought him great pleasure, as well.

Ramon was a Renaissance Man, enjoying a wide variety of interests, including sports, music and theater. He shared tales of playing football in college as among the smallest but fastest players on the team. Nothing could sway him away from his beloved Redskins...no matter their win-loss record. His birthday celebrations at Angel games were a joyous annual occurrence, to which he religiously wore his Albert Pujols #5 jersey. He was an avid tennis player, bowler and loved spending time on the links.

Music brought Ramon tremendous joy, which he was able to enjoy by virtue of his hearing aid. His favorites were Big Band, Nat King Cole and even the group Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. He even endured Ally’s rap and hip hop when in the car together. His love of music permeated Cindy's childhood home and the appreciation of it was passed to Ally as well

Ramon was a fixture at all of Cindy’s choral performances with The Festival Singers. The group treated him like a king and guaranteed a front row seat to ensure he heard every beautiful note and could see his beloved daughter sing.

Ramon’s love of theater led him to join the thespian troupe while at Gallaudet.He shared the love of theater and ballet with Cindy and they would attend annual performances of “The Nutcracker”, as well as, variety shows and plays. He was an ardent supporter of the National Theater of the Deaf and even produced a play with Bernard Bragg.

The family's Ragdoll cats, sisters Dolce and Gabbana, brought Ramon great pleasure. He was particularly attached to Gabbana who would make daily visits to his ottoman for a thorough brushing. When Gabbana was ill, he held her close like a baby. When she passed away he cried with the rest of the family.

In Ramon's later years, he never allowed himself to feel down when it became increasingly difficult for him to walk and he experienced accidental falls. His health was precious to him and he worked tirelessly in physical therapy to regain strength and balance. Toward the end of his life, when his body battled congestive heart failure, he never lost his smile. He was an inspirational light and positive spirit in our home, helping us all to walk a bit lighter.

Ramon’s life was defined by overcoming adversity, all the while never losing his passion for family and friends, commitment to excellence and a deep generosity, charm and sense of humor. He rarely complained and was a loving ear and best friend to Cindy.

We thank you all who was privileged to know Ramon for being kind and caring friends and associates. Know that you brought him joy and helped him to live his best life. He was loved, and in turn, loved us all.